Page 110 of Meant to Be

“Kayla is at work.”

He nodded. “I assume you’re not here to bang on my windows and threaten me again, are you?” The twinkle in his eyes revealed his humor.

I grinned. “Not this time.”

He nodded. “Come in.”

I entered behind him over the threshold of his home.

“Mi esposa is still at work with one of the after school committees she’s on.” He waved his hand in the air, rolling his eyes. “I can’t keep up with all of the activities and committees she runs for that school.”

“I know. Kay told me Mrs. Reyes works late on Thursdays.”

He nodded. “You want coffee or something to drink?”

I shook my head.

“Sit.”

We both sat; he on the love seat, and me across from him in one of the arm chairs. “I figure you know why I’m here.”

“You want to marry mi hija.”

I nodded.

“Do you have a ring?”

“It’s on Kayla’s finger.”

Mr. Reyes frowned. “Typically, the man asks the father before proposing.”

“I’m far from typical, Mr. Reyes.”

“I’ve always known that.”

“I’m here because I promised Kay I would speak with you. She wanted me to ask for your permission.”

“I’d meant what I said when you showed up here before. About you two’s friendship. It wasn’t supposed to be.”

I frowned, not liking the sound of his words.

“Mi hija always had a special thing for you. Even as kids. I saw it. I just knew it would blow up in her face. When you began dating Chelsea I thought, good, she’ll get over this little crush and find a nice boy to date. Someone more her class level. Less intense. But then Chelsea got sick and I watched my daughter lose her best friend and struggle with her growing attraction to you. It was hard, but I kept quiet. As did her mother. When she left I thought it was for the best … I still do.” He paused, looking me in the eyes.

I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer. “Mr. Reyes, I came here because your daughter asked me to. As non-traditional as she can be sometimes, I know she still deeply respects you and her mother’s place in her life. But make no mistake, whether you agree or not—” I stopped when Mr. Reyes began chuckling.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to hold out through my entire speech. Mi reina owes me twenty bucks.”

I gave him a quizzical look.

“My wife and I knew this was coming. I told her I was going to bust your balls a little. I told her you wouldn’t be able to hold back. But mi esposa said how you’d matured since eight years ago. You’d be more respectful and let me finish. Though we both knew you’d still propose to Kayla regardless of what I said. I hadn’t even guessed you’d already proposed.” He stood, grinning, and widened his arms.

I stood as well, welcoming his embrace.

“Welcome to the family. For what you did for Kayla in Portland alone, I’d be proud to call you my son.”

I pulled back and nodded.

“You make sure my daughter remains happy and loved and protected.”